Dale Earnhardt Jr., one of the most iconic names in NASCAR history, has once again captured the spotlight—this time not as a driver or broadcaster, but as a visionary voice calling for transformative change in the sport he loves. In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the motorsports community, Earnhardt Jr. declared his strong opposition to the current use of stage cautions in NASCAR races, urging the organization to eliminate them entirely.

The announcement came during a recent episode of his popular podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, where Earnhardt Jr. expressed deep frustration with what he views as an artificial and disruptive element in modern NASCAR racing. According to him, the implementation of stage cautions—mandatory yellow flags that occur at predetermined intervals in every race—has undermined the strategic integrity of NASCAR and weakened the authentic flow of competition.

“I think it’s time we seriously consider getting rid of stage cautions,” Earnhardt Jr. said bluntly. “They’re not adding the value we hoped for. If anything, they’re taking away from what racing used to be—gritty, unpredictable, and driven by pure strategy.”

The History Behind Stage Cautions

Stage racing was introduced in 2017 as a major format change in NASCAR. The idea was to divide races into segments or “stages,” with drivers earning points based on their performance in each. While the intention was to increase mid-race excitement and reward consistency, the stage format also mandated caution periods at the end of each stage, temporarily pausing the race and resetting much of the on-track progress.

For years, the format has been both praised and criticized. Supporters argue that it adds excitement, structure, and strategic elements. Critics like Earnhardt Jr., however, believe it disrupts momentum, removes traditional fuel and tire strategy, and artificially manipulates outcomes.

A Voice That Still Echoes Loud in NASCAR

Although Earnhardt Jr. retired from full-time racing in 2017, his voice continues to hold tremendous weight in the NASCAR community. As a team co-owner of JR Motorsports, a respected broadcaster, and a Hall of Fame inductee, his opinion carries both emotional and professional authority.

NASCAR fans have responded passionately on social media, with many echoing Earnhardt Jr.’s sentiments. “Dale Jr. is saying what a lot of us have felt for years,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “It’s time to go back to real racing—where strategy isn’t interrupted by scheduled caution flags.”

Former and current drivers have also weighed in. While some agreed that stage cautions could be reevaluated, others warned against removing them completely without a proper replacement that keeps fans engaged.

Not Just Talk – Real Change in Motion?

What makes this announcement even more impactful is its timing. NASCAR is currently in the midst of renegotiating several aspects of its race formats and television deals, including how races are broadcast and structured. Earnhardt Jr., now part of NASCAR’s new media partnership with Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, is in a unique position to help influence policy from both inside and outside the booth.

In a broader context, Earnhardt Jr. also recently made headlines for his partial return to racing. He’s set to drive the iconic No. 8 Budweiser car again in 2025—24 years after his first major win at Daytona with that same sponsor. His team, JR Motorsports, will also compete in the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time ever, debuting at the 2025 Daytona 500 with veteran driver Justin Allgaier.

A New Chapter for NASCAR?

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s push to eliminate stage cautions may not immediately result in a rule change, but it’s clear that his voice is influencing the conversation in meaningful ways. His message resonates with traditionalists who long for a return to NASCAR’s roots, as well as newer fans who seek more authentic race dynamics.

“I’m not trying to tear down what we’ve built,” Earnhardt Jr. said during the podcast. “I just think we can make it better. Racing is supposed to be about adapting on the fly—not stopping every time a clock tells us to.”

As NASCAR continues to evolve, this moment may well be remembered as a turning point—sparked by one of its most beloved figures, demanding that the sport not forget what made it great in the first place